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Interview: The Man in Hat

Peter Meade is a Dublin barber and music-lover who, having spent some time homeless himself, has recently been inspired to use music for fundraising efforts in association with The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul to aid homeless people. With a number of various events set to take place over the coming month - including an auction of CDs/tapes/records/memorabilia donated by the likes of Hozier and Glen Hansard - Peter took some time to explain exactly what TMIH is.

The G-Man: What exactly is The Man in Hat?Peter: Man in Hat was set up by myself, Peter Meade, as an initiative to try and help homeless people. Families and children should not be homeless.

What prompted you to set it up?
Having been homeless I know what it's like. Homeless people need our help. We help you – you can
reclaim your right to a home. I did it for me.

What kind of a response have you had so far?
We have had a positive response but we need more CDs and artwork signed. We want to make it the biggest collection of signed Irish music ever.

What are some of your favourite items that have been handed in so far?
All are special but you never know, you might get the next world superstar. Hozier, Green Day, Glen Hansard, Imelda May, Mundy, The Riptide Movement, Mark Geary are all in the collection, amongst many many others.

Why did you decide to go for an auction for everything as one rather than auction individual items/batches of items?
There are too many CDs to split and it is something very special as a collection.

Tell me more about the 'Empty Buildings' section of the website?
There are far too many empty apartment blocks across the country with up to 500 empty apartments in one block. It's a disgrace. Families need a foundation, and have a right to a home – these apartment blocks should be used to house homeless people.

What would signify a success for the first year of The Man in Hat?
I have organised 2 gigs so far, raising well over €1800. This is the biggest yet. Most of all we want to raise awareness, through music, of the homelessness crisis in Ireland and especially the fact that children are now on the streets. This is unacceptable and we want to effect change.

2pm 12th May - Tower Records, Dublin

All musicians are both invited and encouraged to sign and contribute memorabilia to The Man In Hat online auction, For a list of all items so far visit musicmaninhat.com.

- Deadline for the receipt of donated memorabilia is 5th June 2015- Raised total will be announced at a special gig in Whelan's on 18th June- Bands down south may drop contributions into Coughlans, Cork by 17th May